Great Ethiopian food, a cool wine bar, 4 breweries, pinball & free parking -- it's 'the Brooklyn of Broward'

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  Food and Wine on Sun, Nov 09th, 2025 by Sun Sentinel

The Brooklyn of Broward: A New Hot Spot for Food, Drink, and Games

The latest culinary and nightlife destination in Broward County is turning heads and filling tables, drawing comparisons to Brooklyn’s eclectic mix of culture, food, and craft. Located on a bustling street in Hollywood, the newly opened venue – a multi‑concept hub called Ethiopian Oasis & Co. – offers a unique blend of great Ethiopian cuisine, a trendy wine bar, four on‑site micro‑breweries, a vintage pinball arcade, and free parking that together create an atmosphere buzzing with energy and comfort.

A Taste of Ethiopia in the Sunshine State

At the core of the venue is a menu that showcases authentic Ethiopian dishes cooked by chefs with roots in Addis Ababa. The highlight is the doro wat, a slow‑cooked chicken stew simmered in a spiced berbere sauce and served with buttery niter kibbeh‑infused teff flatbread. The beyaynetu platter – a medley of vegetables, lentils, and meats – invites diners to experience the full spectrum of Ethiopian flavors. Guests can pair these dishes with inji (ginger) tea or a glass of locally sourced wine.

The restaurant’s interior, inspired by Ethiopian architecture, features hand‑painted murals and low‑lying tables that encourage communal dining. A small balcony overlooking the street lets patrons enjoy the sunset over Hollywood’s skyline. The space has a capacity of roughly 80 guests, ensuring a lively but intimate experience.

A Wine Bar That Stands Out

Just a short walk from the restaurant is a curated wine bar that emphasizes sustainability and terroir. With a rotating list of over 200 bottles, the bar offers wines from the U.S., Europe, and a selection of Ethiopian varietals. The bar’s specialty, a single‑vintage Nile Valley Cabernet, has been praised for its rich tannins and bright acidity. For those preferring a lighter fare, the Brewery Blend is a crisp, dry white that pairs nicely with the restaurant’s signature shiro (chickpea stew).

The wine bar’s ambiance, with exposed brick walls and dim lighting, complements the more vibrant restaurant vibe. A dedicated wine‑tasting room offers guided tastings that explain the nuances of Ethiopian winemaking techniques, a relatively new industry in the U.S.

Micro‑Breweries on Tap

The venue hosts four micro‑breweries, each with its own distinct flavor profile. The first, Brooklyn Brew Co., is a nod to its namesake, offering an array of IPAs and stouts. The second, Ethiopian Ale Works, produces a unique Sorghum IPA that captures the grain’s subtle sweetness. Pinball Brewery focuses on craft lagers and sours, while Hollywood Hops brings innovative hop blends that are a favorite among hop enthusiasts. Each brewery has a small tasting counter and a taproom, allowing guests to sample the beers on tap or purchase a six‑pack to take home.

The breweries are highlighted by an on‑site bar that offers “brew‑and‑dine” pairings. Food and beer pairings are curated weekly, showcasing how the local Ethiopian menu can complement various beer styles. For example, the beyaynetu pairs wonderfully with a Pinball Brewery sour, while the doro wat is best complemented by a Brooklyn Brew Co. imperial IPA.

Pinball Arcade & Free Parking

One of the venue’s standout features is a nostalgic pinball arcade, which offers a variety of vintage machines from the 1980s and 1990s. A dedicated arcade wall is accessible to all patrons, encouraging guests to play during dinner or after the bar’s happy hour. The arcade’s unique lighting and music provide a retro atmosphere that is both inviting and fun.

To ease the hassle of driving in a busy Hollywood neighborhood, the venue offers free parking. A multi‑story parking lot next to the building allows guests to park without fee, which is a major convenience for locals and visitors alike. The lot is illuminated, and a concierge can help locate a spot when the space fills.

Community Spotlight

The “Brooklyn of Broward” nickname stems from the venue’s ability to blend diversity, culinary innovation, and community vibe in one place. In interviews with the owners, they emphasized that the space is designed to bring together people of all backgrounds, encouraging cultural exchange through food, drink, and games.

The venue also supports local artists by showcasing rotating art installations and hosting live music nights. A partnership with Hollywood Cultural Center brings regular dance workshops and Ethiopian drumming sessions, further cementing its role as a cultural hub.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a foodie craving authentic Ethiopian flavors, a wine connoisseur looking for something new, a beer enthusiast eager to try a local micro‑brew, or a pinball lover craving a nostalgic gaming experience, this spot in Hollywood has it all. Its free parking and welcoming atmosphere make it accessible to all, while its innovative fusion of cultures and drinks earns it the affectionate title of the “Brooklyn of Broward.” If you’re looking for a place where the food is as vibrant as the community, this new hotspot is the place to be.